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Year Three, Day 6: It Moved!

The numbers on the scale!


HOORAY!!


It has been a tad frustrating to feel like I am working so hard, (at least eating wise), and not be showing much progress. It seems as if my scale was stuck at 190 forever!

But I have stayed on my structured eating path.  No food after 8:00 p.m. Trying to limit my sugar intake to 6 teaspoons or less a day, trying to limit my sodium intake to 1,500 mg, and my calories to 1,500 or less a day.  I've done especially well with the sugar.  Especially since I have switched to black coffee and have started to be conscientious about reading nutritional labels.





I have to stay on the course. I still have so much work to do.  But in the meantime, it occurred to me that I definitely need to keep JOY in my life.

Because, even though I have not:

  • achieved my goal weight...
  • completed knitting my new grandbaby's blanket... 
  • run a 5K...
  • mastered the ukele...
  • memorized my favorite piano pieces...
  • mastered jazz chords on the piano...
  • learned KOINE Greek...
  • found a life partner...
  • traveled the world ...
...YET!

Even though everything is not in order in my life...

...YET!


I am a child of God. I am a good person. And I deserve to enjoy and appreciate what my life is at this very moment. And be grateful for the JOY I have experienced in the past. And be hopeful for all the JOY that is yet to come!

After all, the measure of one's life is not a scale, is it?

But I am pleased with my progress. Hard work does pay off.  But I need to remember that my hard work and suffering is for a goal.  And part of this goal is spiritual.  I choose to suffer. For a higher goal.

My eating plan is essentialy "intermittent fasting".

"Intermittent fasting (IF) is an umbrella term for various diets that cycle between a period of fasting and non-fasting. Intermittent fasting can be used along with calorie restriction for weight loss."(Wikipedia) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermittent_fasting

There are several types of intermittent fasts. I am fasting between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. everyday.  And sticking to whole foods, low salt, minimal sugar. I do allow myself some leeway on the weekends, especially at social events. 

The next level for me, is not to feel sorry for myself. I am choosing this lifestyle in order to be healthier, have more energy and strength for my work, family and friends and to share the love of God with people I meet!

This is what the Bible says about fasting:

16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 
17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 
18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6:16-19 NIV)

As usual, I have many more thoughts. But they will have to wait until tomorrow. I am in my library office. The sun is beckoning from outside (It looks like the weather is going to be nice for a WHOLE WEEK!).  I have to catch a bus for a student soon.

Talk to you tomorrow.

Happy Thursday!

Love, 

Zita 







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